SPM Turath Dirasat Islamiah key terms

Divine revelation communicated by Allah to a prophet, either directly, through an angel, or by other means. In Islam it denotes the source of the Quran and of prophetic guidance.

The classification of Quranic surahs by the period or place of revelation: Makki surahs came before the migration to Madinah, Madani surahs after it. The label guides understanding of context and style.

The reported occasions, events, or questions that prompted the revelation of particular verses. Knowing them helps clarify a verse's meaning and limits misapplication.

The abrogation of an earlier ruling or recitation by a later revealed text. Scholars differ over its scope, so the concept is studied with care and evidence.

Categories of Quranic verses: muhkam verses are clear and decisive in meaning, while mutashabih verses admit more than one possible reading. Believers act on the clear and defer ambiguous matters to Allah.

The scholarly explanation of Quranic meaning, covering vocabulary, grammar, context, and legal implications. Accepted tafsir relies on the Quran, authentic Sunnah, and the understanding of the early generations.

The interpretive process of deriving a probable meaning from a text, especially when literal sense is untenable. Its legitimacy depends on sound Arabic and supporting evidence.

Narrations drawn from Jewish and Christian sources that entered some works of tafsir. Scholars accept them only where they agree with authentic Islamic texts and reject or suspend the rest.

The recognised recitational readings of the Quran transmitted with authentic chains. They vary in pronunciation and occasionally in wording while preserving a single meaning and text.

The rules governing correct Quranic recitation, including articulation points, vowel length, and nasalisation. Its study preserves accurate transmission of the revealed text.

Memorisation of the Quran by heart, a practice praised throughout Islamic history. A hafiz preserves the text and transmits it accurately to later generations.

A report of the Prophet's words, actions, or tacit approvals, consisting of a chain of narrators and a text. Authentic hadith are the second source of Islamic teaching after the Quran.

The Prophet's normative practice and example as recorded in reports and applied by the community. It explains and supplements Quranic commands in belief, worship, and conduct.

The chain of narrators linking a hadith report back to its source. Scholars judge authenticity largely by examining the reliability and connectedness of this chain.

The actual wording or content of a hadith report, as distinct from its chain of narrators. Analysis of the matn checks for internal consistency and agreement with established texts.

The study of hadith narrators, assessing their reliability, memory, and meeting with teachers. This discipline underpins judgements about the authenticity of chains.

The twin evaluation of narrators: jarh identifies defects that weaken a narrator, while ta'dil affirms reliability. Scholars apply these judgements to grade hadith chains.

A report with a continuous chain of reliable narrators, free from irregularity and hidden defect. It is accepted as a valid proof in belief, law, and ethics.

A report whose chain is continuous and narrators are acceptable but slightly weaker in memory than those of sahih. It is accepted, though ranked below sahih.

A report failing one or more conditions of authenticity, such as a gap in the chain or a weak narrator. It is not used to establish belief or legal obligation.

A fabricated report falsely attributed to the Prophet. It is forbidden to relate as prophetic speech except to warn against it, and scholars expose such reports through critical study.

A report whose trustworthy narrator contradicts a more reliable narrator. This irregularity weakens the report even when its chain appears sound.

The belief in the absolute oneness of Allah in His essence, attributes, and exclusive right to worship. It is the foundation of Islamic creed and the message of all prophets.

Associating partners with Allah in worship, lordship, or divine names and attributes. It is the gravest sin in Islam and the opposite of tawhid.

Affirmation of belief in the heart, expressed by the tongue and confirmed through action. It increases with obedience and decreases with sin according to mainstream Sunni teaching.

The six articles of faith: belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree. Together they define the core of Islamic belief.

The belief that Allah's knowledge and will encompass everything that occurs, while humans retain real responsibility for their choices. It balances divine decree with moral accountability.

The divine names and attributes affirmed for Allah in the Quran and authentic Sunnah. Believers affirm them without likening Allah to creation or denying their meaning.

Hypocrisy, where a person displays faith outwardly while concealing disbelief or hostility. The Quran distinguishes it sharply from genuine belief and warns of its consequences.

The five pillars of practice: the testimony of faith, prayer, zakat, fasting Ramadan, and pilgrimage for those able. They structure the outward practice of the religion.

The prescribed ritual prayer performed five times daily at set times with defined movements and recitations. It is the key act of worship linking the servant to Allah.

The ritual ablution of face, hands, head, and feet required before prayer and certain acts of worship. It is invalidated by specific events and restored by repeating the procedure.

Ritual purity achieved by removing impurity and performing ablution or bathing as required. It is a precondition for valid prayer and handling the Quran.

An obligatory annual levy on qualifying wealth, distributed to specified categories of recipients. It purifies wealth and provides a structured form of social support.

The minimum threshold of wealth or goods that makes zakat obligatory. Amounts below it are not subject to the annual levy.

The consensus of qualified Muslim scholars on a ruling, considered a secondary source of law. It safeguards unity and settles pressing questions after the Quran and Sunnah.

Analogical reasoning that extends a known ruling to a new case sharing the same effective cause. It is a recognised method when the Quran and Sunnah give no explicit answer.

Scholarly effort to derive rulings from the sources through rigorous reasoning. It requires deep knowledge of the Quran, Sunnah, Arabic, and legal principles.

The higher objectives of Islamic law, chiefly protecting religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property. They guide interpretation and help scholars apply rulings to new situations.

The recorded biography of the Prophet Muhammad, covering his life, character, and mission. It provides context for the Quran and a practical model for Muslim conduct.

The Prophet's migration from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE, a turning point for the Muslim community. It marks the start of the Islamic calendar and the founding of a new society.

The Helpers of Madinah who welcomed the Prophet and the Emigrants who left Makkah for faith. Their mutual support models solidarity and sacrifice in Islamic history.

A written agreement the Prophet established in Madinah regulating relations among Muslims, Jewish tribes, and other groups. It is studied as an early framework for plural coexistence.

The first four caliphs after the Prophet: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. Their period is studied as a model of governance and community leadership.

Islamic civilisation, encompassing scholarship, institutions, arts, and social life shaped by Islamic values. Its history shows how religion interacted with diverse cultures.

A renowned centre of learning and translation in Abbasid Baghdad. It symbolises the flourishing of science and philosophy in classical Islamic civilisation.

The moral character and conduct a Muslim is expected to cultivate, rooted in the Quran and prophetic example. It covers honesty, patience, mercy, and treatment of others.

Truthfulness in speech, intention, and action. It is a foundational virtue praised in the Quran and modelled by the Prophet throughout his life.

Trustworthiness in fulfilling duties, keeping promises, and safeguarding what is entrusted. It applies to wealth, secrets, positions, and the rights of others.

Brotherhood among believers grounded in shared faith and mutual care. It obliges Muslims to support one another and to rise above tribal and social divisions.